As the most intimate of functional spaces, a bathroom serves to fulfill the most basic of needs. Yet a beautifully designed bathroom can become so much more than simply a spot in which to start and end the day. A thoughtfully planned bathroom can serve as a sanctuary, a tranquil place in which to relax and revive both body and soul. Large or small and with or without gilded mirror, a bathroom provides a respite for literal and metaphysical self-reflection, a venue for self-expression, and occasionally an Instagram-worthy destination. Find inspiration for your own luxurious haven in these decadent bathrooms where mundane becomes magnificent.
Fit for a King
Luxury residential and commercial designer Sophie Azouaou of Sophisticate Interiors designed this chic and dazzling crystal-mirrored sanctuary for the personal residence of luxury real estate agent Joel Goodrich. Located within the penthouse in one of Nob Hill’s iconic Beaux-Arts era buildings, this dramatic primary bath, clad in mirrors and black marble, features extraordinary Swarovski crystal sconces, chandelier, and mirror, each of which reflect the glittering city night lights, creating a fantasy-like space that Goodrich’s guests have dubbed the “disco bathroom.” Differing textures and materials sourced from Italy, LasVegas, and the SF Design Center create a harmonized theme, the inspiration of which was a show-stopping crystal mirror at Wynn Las Vegas. “This bathroom is grand, glamorous, and unique in its richness,” said Azouaou. “All of Joel’s guests end up taking pictures in here.”
Palatial Powder Room
Goodrich’s French-inspired, glittering powder room also received the Azouaou glamor treatment. The designer added over-the-top crystal accessories in creating the tiny yet palace-worthy guest retreat that has served as the scene of several lifestyle and fashion photo shoots. This jewel box shimmers with iridescent mirrored tiled flooring, silver sequined draping lined with Swarovski crystal, and silver metallic painted walls and vanity. “I chose to work with Sophie because I knew that she would realize my vision and the end result would be super-chic,” said Goodrich, who, in describing his powder room quotes Mae West, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!”
Soothing Sanctuary
This Azouaou-designed Hillsborough estate bathroom of Dr. David Kang and his wife Jennifer Han, co-owners of leading San Francisco medical spa Serenity Medspa, is all about inspiration and serenity, and unifying function with beauty and luxury. The space needed to provide motivation for the day ahead and serve as a soothing sanctuary at day’s end for a busy doctor who is constantly on his feet. It needed to inspire, yet relax. Texture and sophisticated sparkle are achieved via jewelry-like glass borders, Swarovski crystal sconces imported from Europe, Calacatta marble flooring, and marble top vanities. The effect is serene yet sophisticated.
(Bath)room with a View
At the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, spa-like bathrooms (featuring luxurious Codage Paris amenities) feature deep soaking tubs positioned for dramatic city and bay panoramas. Enjoy sweeping views of the Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower during a relaxing soak. This is the ultimate city refuge in which to unwind and restore.
Tub for Two
The luxe villas at Carmel Valley’s Bernardus Lodge & Spa feature beautifully designed master baths with freestanding, hammered copper soaking tubs, custom, hand-carved porcelain bathroom sinks, al fresco showers set on hand-made Moroccan mosaic tile, and radiant heat floors. Order up a “Dream Bath” and receive two bath bombs, a scented candle, a seasonal bar of handmade soap, and a sleep eye mask. Add rose petals for an especially romantic vibe.
Zen Serenity
Zen Bathworks Japanese soaking tubs, made of teak, are a draw at Nobu Palo Alto and its top floor Zen Ryokan Suites. Featuring panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, these neutral-hued guest rooms, with Natura Bisse bath products, linen yukata bathrobes, and linen slippers, afford a sense of serenity amid the charged energy of the hotel’s host town.